Ms. Law used much more restraint than I would. I too have tried all the gimmicks to quit smoking and I've quit dozens of times. I just can't seem to stay quit. Like Ms. Law I work very hard at not imposing my smoke on others. I have stood in a lot of rain and snow to smoke. The incident she describes is truly indicative of the absurd license that the self-righteous afford themselves. Makes me wonder what the wimpy dude does behind closed doors - drink to excess, harbor bigoted thoughts, beat his partner or children. His reaction to Ms. Law's smoking was more about his own sense of entitlement and power than it was about her smoking, which couldn't reach him through a sealed window.
I had a similar experience a few years back. I was smoking outside - not in anyone's path and near no children. A woman walked off the sidewalk, across the lawn to where I was perched and began to dress me down quite rudely. I quickly decided hers was a power trip, not a health campaign. You see, she was about the size of a small SUV. Watching her move toward me in layers to upbraid me about my unhealthy habit would have been comical except for her total sense of righteous indignation.
I wasn't nice. I pointed out to her that she would likely die of the extra 200 pounds she was toting around long before my secondhand smoke had any impact on her health. The silly woman sought my smoke by waddling over to me to give me her scolding.
ONE POLITE SMOKER TAKES ON THE ZEALOTS
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That said, I want self-righteous anti-smoking zealots off my back.
Case in point: I'd stopped after an hourlong bike ride at my favorite cafe at the top of one of Seattle's hills. Single tall latte in hand, I went outside. It was midafternoon and I sat by myself at a sidewalk table. Inside, against the rear wall, a solitary patron hunched over a pile of food. He glared at me through the plate glass as I lit my cigarette, so I turned away.
Moments later, he stood inches from me, apoplectic. "What would you do if I spit in your face?"
"What?" I'd heard exactly what he said but I just didn't get it.
"Your smoke completely ruined my lunch. I'm nauseated. Put out that cigarette or I will spit in your face."
Still flummoxed, I said, "But the door's closed. The windows don't even open. You couldn't possibly have been bothered by my smoke."
Discuss